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Chainsaw Man (TV series)

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Chainsaw Man
チェンソーマン
Chensō Man
Genre
Based on
Chainsaw Man
by Tatsuki Fujimoto
Screenplay byHiroshi Seko
Directed by
  • Ryū Nakayama
  • Makoto Nakazono[a]
Voices of
Music byKensuke Ushio
Opening theme"Kick Back" by
Kenshi Yonezu
Ending themeSee note[b]
Country of originJapan
Original languageJapanese
No. of seasons1
No. of episodes12 (list of episodes)
Production
Producers
  • Makoto Kimura[c]
  • Keisuke Seshimo[d]
CinematographyTeppei Itō
AnimatorMAPPA
EditorMasato Yoshitake
Running time
  • 23 minutes
  • 25 minutes (#1, 10)
Production companyMAPPA
Original release
NetworkTV Tokyo
ReleaseOctober 12 (2022-10-12) –
December 28, 2022 (2022-12-28)
Related
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc

Chainsaw Man (チェンソーマン, Chensō Man) is a Japanese anime television series produced by MAPPA, based on the manga series Chainsaw Man by Tatsuki Fujimoto.[7] The series was directed by Ryū Nakayama, with series composition and scripts by Hiroshi Seko. Makoto Nakazono and Tatsuya Yoshihara [ja] respectively served as chief episode director and action director, with character designs by Kazutaka Sugiyama and demon designs by Kiyotaka Oshiyama [ja]. The series' music was composed by Kensuke Ushio.[8][9][10] Unlike typical anime in which a production committee consisting of multiple companies is formed to regulate production, the series was solely produced by its animation studio, MAPPA.[11]

The series aired on TV Tokyo and its TXN affiliates from October 12 to December 28, 2022.[e] Crunchyroll licensed the series for worldwide streaming outside of East Asia.[13] Medialink obtained the licensing for Southeast Asia.[14] A sequel film, titled Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc, was released by Toho in Japan on September 19, 2025.[15] An anime adaptation of the manga's "Assassins" arc has been announced.

Synopsis

[edit]

Denji, a young man who shares his life with Pochita, a chainsaw devil, is forced to survive by killing devils and selling their parts to pay off the debt he inherited after his father's death. His existence has been a succession of hardships until a fatal betrayal leads to his death. In an unexpected turn, Pochita makes a pact with him, allowing him to be resurrected as "Chainsaw Man", a hybrid entity with the heart of a demon.

Voice cast

[edit]
Character Japanese[16] English[17]
Denji (デンジ) Kikunosuke Toya Ryan Colt Levy
Power (パワー, Pawā) Fairouz Ai Sarah Wiedenheft
Aki Hayakawa (早川アキ, Hayakawa Aki) Shogo Sakata Reagan Murdock
Bryson Baugus (young)
Makima (マキマ) Tomori Kusunoki Suzie Yeung
Pochita (ポチタ) Shiori Izawa Lindsay Seidel
Reze (レゼ) Reina Ueda Alexis Tipton
Kobeni Higashiyama (東山 コベニ, Higashiyama Kobeni) Karin Takahashi Bryn Apprill

Production and release

[edit]

In December 2020, it was announced that the manga would be adapted into an anime by the studio MAPPA.[7][18] The theatrical presentation at Jump Festa '21, as part of the online theatrical presentations of Jump Studio, took place from December 19–20, 2020.[19][20]

The first trailer for the anime was presented during the "MAPPA Stage 2021" – 10th Anniversary event, held on June 27, 2021.[21][22] The series was broadcast on TV Tokyo and its TXN affiliates from October 12 to December 28, 2022, with several non-affiliate networks following weeks later.[23][24][25]

Regarding the adaptation of the series, Fujimoto stated that he talked to the people handling it and was comfortable leaving things to them.[26] When the anime adaptation was officially announced, Fujimoto commented, "Chainsaw Man is like a copycat of Dorohedoro and Jujutsu Kaisen, and the studio of Dorohedoro and Jujutsu Kaisen will produce its anime!? I have nothing to say! Please do it!"[27] According to the manga's editor, Shihei Lin, Fujimoto is heavily involved in the production of the anime series, stating, "Fujimoto-san has seen all the Chainsaw Man's pitch documents, story structure, scripts, and even the storyboards. He has continued to be in close contact with MAPPA's anime team." MAPPA producer, Makoto Kimura, also commented that Fujimoto involvement extended to the casting, planning, and music, because the staff wanted the anime to capture as much of the manga's original vision as possible, including the violence and gore. MAPPA approached Shueisha with the pitch to adapt the manga into an anime.[28]

Film

[edit]

At the Jump Festa '24 event in December 2023, an anime film entitled Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc (劇場版 チェンソーマン レゼ篇, Gekijō-ban Chensō Man: Reze-hen), was announced.[29] Most staff and cast reprised their roles, while Tatsuya Yoshihara [ja] replaced Ryū Nakayama as director on the film.[30] The film is a direct sequel to the television series, and covers the events of the "Reze" arc from the manga.[29] It was distributed by Toho and premiered in Japan on September 19, 2025.[31]

Sequel

[edit]

At the Jump Festa '26 event in December 2025, an anime sequel, Chainsaw Man – Assassins Arc (チェンソーマン 刺客篇, Chensō Man: Shikaku-hen), was announced. Its release format was not revealed.[32] On June 19, 2026, It was revealed that the series staff and Tatsuya Yoshihara, the film's director, will return to reprise their roles in the anime.[33]

Music

[edit]

The music of the series was composed by Kensuke Ushio.[8] The first soundtrack EP (for episodes 1–3), was released on October 26, 2022; the second EP (for episodes 4–7) was released on November 23; and the third EP (for episodes 8–12) was released on December 28.[34] The original soundtrack album, Chainsaw Man Original Soundtrack Complete Edition: Chainsaw Edge Fragments, was released on January 23, 2023.[35] The opening theme song is "Kick Back", performed by Kenshi Yonezu, while each episode features a different ending theme song.[5][b]

Video game

[edit]

A smartphone game was announced at the "MAPPA 15th Anniversary Lineup Reveal" livestream event on June 19, 2026. The game will feature an opening animated sequence by MAPPA with a song by Maximum the Hormone titled "All the Mince!!! All the Mince!!".[36]

Reception

[edit]

Critical response

[edit]

On review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds an approval rating of 97% based on 89 reviews, with an average rating of 8/10. The site's critics consensus reads, "Distinguished by its rip-roaring animation and serrated sense of humor, Chainsaw Man is an action anime with teeth."[37] Mónica Marie Zorrilla of Inverse described Chainsaw Man as the standout of "demon-fighting anime" in 2022. She also praised Denji's contrast to other Shōnen protagonists in his simpler motivations for "girls and food".[38] Rafael Motamayor of IGN praised Chainsaw Man's cinematography, character dynamics and approach to its emotional moments. He also described it as a successful mix of "workplace comedy, horror, and action series", in contrast to most shōnen. IGN and Polygon praised the action scenes and its sudden tonal shifts from emotional scenes to "juvenile, 2000s sex comedy humor", while Polygon also praised its twelve different ending scenes.[39][40]

Accolades

[edit]
Year Award Category Recipient Result Ref.
2022 Billboard Japan Music Awards Hot Animation "Kick Back" by Kenshi Yonezu 9th place [41]
Reiwa Anisong Awards [ja] Best Work Award Nominated [42]
Best Anime Song Award Won
Lyrics Award "Chu, Tayōsei" by Ano[f] Nominated
Composition Award "Kick Back" by Kenshi Yonezu[g] Nominated
Arrangement Award "Kick Back" by Kenshi Yonezu[h] Nominated
2023 Annecy International Animation Film Festival Best TV Films Production Chainsaw Man – Episode 1: "Dog & Chainsaw" Nominated [43]
Japan Expo Awards Daruma for Best Anime Chainsaw Man Nominated [44]
Daruma for Best Director Nominated [45]
Daruma for Best Action Anime Nominated [46]
Daruma for Best Original Soundtrack Nominated [47]
Daruma for Best Opening "Kick Back" by Kenshi Yonezu Won [48]
Daruma for Best Ending "Hawatari Ni-Oku Centi [ja]" by Maximum the Hormone Nominated [49]
45th Anime Grand Prix Best Theme Song "Kick Back" by Kenshi Yonezu 5th place [50]
13th Newtype Anime Awards Best Character (Male) Aki Hayakawa 6th place [51]
Best Mascot Character Pochita 5th place
29th Manga Barcelona Awards Best Anime Series Premiere Chainsaw Man Nominated [52]
Billboard Japan Music Awards Hot 100 "Kick Back" by Kenshi Yonezu 4th place [53]
Most Streaming Songs 4th place [54]
Most Downloaded Songs 8th place [55]
Hot Animation 2nd place [53]
Top User Generated Songs 12th place [56]
2024 51st Saturn Awards Best Animated Television Series or Special Chainsaw Man Nominated [57]
8th Crunchyroll Anime Awards Anime of the Year Nominated [58]
Best Main Character Denji Nominated
Best Supporting Character Power Nominated
"Must Protect at All Costs" Character Pochita Nominated
Best Animation Chainsaw Man Nominated
Best Director Ryū Nakayama Nominated
Best Action Chainsaw Man Nominated
Best New Series Won
Best Character Design Kazutaka Sugiyama Nominated
Best Cinematography Teppei Itō Nominated
Best Art Direction Yusuke Takeda Nominated
Best Score Kensuke Ushio Nominated
Best Anime Song "Kick Back" by Kenshi Yonezu Nominated
Best Opening Sequence Nominated
Best Ending Sequence "Hawatari Ni-Oku Centi" by Maximum the Hormone Nominated
Best VA Performance (Japanese) Kikunosuke Toya as Denji Nominated
Best VA Performance (English) Ryan Colt Levy as Denji Won
Best VA Performance (Spanish) Emilio Trevino as Denji Won
Best VA Performance (French) Zina Khakhoulia as Power Nominated
Best VA Performance (German) Franziska Trunte as Power Won
Best VA Performance (Portuguese) Luisa Viotti as Makima Nominated
Best VA Performance (Castilian) Joel Gomez Jimenez as Denji Won
Maria Luisa Marciel as Power Nominated
Best VA Performance (Italian) Benedetta Ponticelli as Makima Nominated
Mosè Singh as Denji Won
2025 Music Awards Japan Top Japanese Song in Europe "Kick Back" by Kenshi Yonezu Nominated [59]
Top Japanese Song in North America Nominated
20th AnimaniA Awards Best TV Series: Disc Chainsaw Man Nominated [60]

Notes

[edit]
  1. ↑ Chief director / chief episode director (チーフ演出)
  2. 1 2 All twelve ending theme songs, listed in alphabetical order:[5][6]
  3. ↑ Production producer
  4. ↑ Creative / animation producer
  5. ↑ TV Tokyo listed the series as airing every Tuesday at 24:00, which is effectively Wednesday at midnight JST.[12]
  6. ↑ Both Ano and Shuichi Mabe are credited as the nominees.
  7. ↑ Kenshi Yonezu is credited as the nominee.
  8. ↑ Both Kenshi Yonezu and Daiki Tsuneta are credited as the nominees.

References

[edit]
  1. ↑ Ressler, Karen (November 26, 2018). "Viz's Shonen Jump to Preview Chainsaw Man by Fire Punch's Fujimoto". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 4, 2021. Retrieved September 14, 2019.
  2. ↑ Luster, Joseph (June 19, 2022). "Chainsaw Man Manga Part 2 Revs Up in Shueisha's Jump+ in July". Crunchyroll News. Archived from the original on June 20, 2022. Retrieved December 10, 2024.
  3. ↑ 『チェンソーマン』TVアニメ化、制作はMAPPA 「ジャンプ＋」で第2部連載も決定. Kai-You [ja] (in Japanese). December 14, 2020. Archived from the original on March 1, 2021. Retrieved May 16, 2021.
  4. ↑ Masuda, Hiromichi (February 25, 2021). 『鬼滅』『呪術』の次は『チェンソーマン』だ！ ジャンプ史上最もアブないダーク・ファンタジーをアニメ化する＜MAPPA＞とは？. Banger!! (in Japanese). Movie Plus [ja]. Archived from the original on February 27, 2021. Retrieved July 17, 2021.
  5. 1 2 Cardine, Kyle (September 19, 2022). "Chainsaw Man Releases New Trailer, Announces Opening, 12 Ending Themes and Additional Cast". Crunchyroll News. Archived from the original on September 19, 2022. Retrieved September 19, 2022.
  6. ↑ ポチタ役は井澤詩織！アニメ「チェンソーマン」追加キャスト解禁、OPは米津玄師. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. September 19, 2022. Archived from the original on September 19, 2022. Retrieved September 19, 2022.
  7. 1 2 "藤本タツキ「チェンソーマン」TVアニメ化決定！制作はMAPPA". Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. December 14, 2020. Archived from the original on April 16, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  8. 1 2 Hodgkins, Crystalyn (June 27, 2021). "Chainsaw Man TV Anime's 1st Teaser Unveils Staff". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on June 27, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  9. ↑ "アニメ「チェンソーマン」ティザーPV解禁、監督の中山竜らメインスタッフも明らかに". Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. June 27, 2021. Archived from the original on June 27, 2021. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
  10. ↑ Goslin, Austen (June 27, 2021). "Chainsaw Man's First Trailer Is as Gory as You'd Hope". Polygon. Vox Media. Archived from the original on July 24, 2021. Retrieved September 11, 2021.
  11. ↑ アニメ『チェンソーマン』制作のMAPPA、藤本タツキ作品は自社ですべてアニメ化したい考え IGNフランスによるインタビューで明かす. IGN Japan (in Japanese). August 17, 2022. Retrieved March 26, 2025.
  12. ↑ 本日10月11日（火）放送開始の2022年秋アニメ. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. October 11, 2022. Archived from the original on October 11, 2022. Retrieved October 11, 2022.
  13. ↑ Mateo, Alex (May 16, 2022). "Crunchyroll to Stream Chainsaw Man Anime". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on May 16, 2022. Retrieved May 16, 2022.
  14. ↑ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (May 25, 2022). "MediaLink, MAPPA Announce Partnership, Distribution for Chainsaw Man Anime in Asia". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on May 25, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  15. ↑ 劇場版「チェンソーマン レゼ篇」は9月19日公開！キャラクタービジュアル12点解禁. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. March 23, 2025. Archived from the original on May 14, 2025. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
  16. ↑ "STAFF/CAST". chainsawman.dog/movie_reze (in Japanese). Archived from the original on January 8, 2025. Retrieved January 8, 2025.
  17. ↑ Bolts (October 8, 2022). "Chainsaw Man Anime's U.S. Premiere – New York Comic-Con 2022". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 8, 2024. Retrieved November 15, 2025.
  18. ↑ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (December 13, 2020). "Chainsaw Man Manga Gets TV Anime at MAPPA". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on May 3, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  19. ↑ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (November 16, 2020). "Jump Festa Event to Host Stage Presentation for Chainsaw Man Manga". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 25, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  20. ↑ Lee, Choo Sum (December 14, 2020). "Fully Online Jump Festa 2021 Event Schedule Released". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on January 16, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  21. ↑ MAPPA10周年記念イベント、参加作品に「チェンソーマン」が追加決定. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. April 16, 2021. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  22. ↑ Harding, Daryl (April 16, 2021). "Chainsaw Man TV Anime to Get 1st Trailer at MAPPA Stage Event in June". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on April 20, 2021. Retrieved June 27, 2021.
  23. ↑ Hodgkins, Crystalyn (December 18, 2021). "Chainsaw Man Anime Premieres in 2022". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 18, 2021. Retrieved December 18, 2021.
  24. ↑ Cardine, Kyle (August 5, 2022). "Chainsaw Man New Trailer Reveals October 2022 Broadcast, Main Cast". Crunchyroll. Archived from the original on August 5, 2022. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  25. ↑ Pineda, Rafael Antonio (August 5, 2022). "Chainsaw Man Anime Reveals 3rd Promo Video, Cast, October Premiere". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 25, 2023. Retrieved August 5, 2022.
  26. ↑ Dupree, Nicholas (April 21, 2021). "Interview: Chainsaw Man Creator Tatsuki Fujimoto". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on April 21, 2021. Retrieved April 21, 2021.
  27. ↑ 「チェンソーマン」MAPPA制作でTVアニメ化！藤本タツキ「ドロヘドロと呪術廻戦のパクリみたいなチェンソーマンを…」. AnimeAnime.jp (in Japanese). December 14, 2020. Archived from the original on December 13, 2020. Retrieved March 1, 2021.
  28. ↑ Morrissy, Kim (October 19, 2022). "Tatsuki Fujimoto Is Heavily Involved in Chainsaw Man Anime's Production". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on October 19, 2022. Retrieved October 19, 2022.
  29. 1 2 Hodgkins, Crystalyn (December 17, 2023). "Chainsaw Man Anime Gets 'Reze Arc' Film". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 17, 2023. Retrieved December 17, 2023.
  30. ↑ 【イベントレポート】「チェンソーマン」藤本タツキが"悪魔の悪魔"の存在について意味深に明言控える. Comic Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. December 22, 2024. Archived from the original on January 3, 2025. Retrieved January 3, 2025.
  31. ↑ Cayanan, Joanna (March 23, 2025). "Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc Anime Announces September 19 Debut". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 23, 2025. Retrieved March 23, 2025.
  32. ↑ Cayanan, Joanna (December 21, 2025). "Chainsaw Man Manga's 'Assassins Arc' Gets Anime Adaptation". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on December 21, 2025. Retrieved December 21, 2025.
  33. ↑ Loo, Egan (June 19, 2026). "Chainsaw Man Assassins Arc Anime's 2nd Teaser Unveils Staff". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on June 19, 2026. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  34. ↑ 「チェンソーマン」サントラ配信スタート、ジャケットにデンジとポチタ. Music Natalie (in Japanese). Natasha, Inc. Archived from the original on October 26, 2022. Retrieved October 26, 2022.
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  36. ↑ Loo, Egan (June 19, 2026). "Chainsaw Man Anime Gets Smartphone Game With Opening Animation by MAPPA". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on June 19, 2026. Retrieved June 19, 2026.
  37. ↑ "Chainsaw Man: Season 1". Rotten Tomatoes. Fandango Media. Archived from the original on January 4, 2023. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  38. ↑ Zorrilla, Mónica Marie (November 1, 2022). "You Need to Watch the Bloodiest Demonic Thriller of the Year on Hulu ASAP". Inverse. Archived from the original on January 4, 2023. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  39. ↑ Motamayor, Rafael (December 30, 2022). "Chainsaw Man: Season 1 Review". IGN. Archived from the original on January 3, 2023. Retrieved January 4, 2023.
  40. ↑ Campbell, Kambole (December 28, 2022). "Chainsaw Man's Episode Endings Tell the Whole Story of the Anime Adaptation". Polygon. Archived from the original on December 28, 2022. Retrieved January 4, 2022.
  41. ↑ "Billboard Japan Hot Animation Year-End 2022". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved December 9, 2022.
  42. ↑ 令和4年アニソン大賞. Anisong Awards (in Japanese). Archived from the original on November 21, 2023. Retrieved January 11, 2024.
  43. ↑ Mateo, Alex (March 30, 2023). "Chainsaw Man Anime, Oni: Thunder Gods Tale Animated Series Compete at Annecy". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 30, 2023. Retrieved April 1, 2023.
  44. ↑ "Meilleur Anime". Japan Expo (in French). June 27, 2023. Archived from the original on February 24, 2024. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  45. ↑ "Meilleure Réalisation". Japan Expo (in French). June 27, 2023. Archived from the original on February 24, 2024. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  46. ↑ "Meilleur Anime d'Action". Japan Expo (in French). June 27, 2023. Archived from the original on February 24, 2024. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  47. ↑ "Meilleure Bande Originale". Japan Expo (in French). June 27, 2023. Archived from the original on February 24, 2024. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  48. ↑ "Les Vainqueurs des Daruma 2023". Japan Expo (in French). July 14, 2023. Archived from the original on July 17, 2023. Retrieved July 17, 2023.
  49. ↑ "Meilleur Ending". Japan Expo (in French). June 27, 2023. Archived from the original on February 24, 2024. Retrieved July 8, 2024.
  50. ↑ 第45回アニメGP. chikimato.net (in Japanese). Archived from the original on October 5, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  51. ↑ ニュータイプアニメアワード2021-2022結果発表、作品賞は「ぼっち・ざ・ろっく！」&「劇場版ソードアート・オンライン」. Gigazine (in Japanese). October 28, 2023. Archived from the original on December 30, 2023. Retrieved November 22, 2023.
  52. ↑ "Nominados y Ganadores 2023". Manga Barcelona (in Spanish). Archived from the original on December 10, 2023. Retrieved December 10, 2023.
  53. 1 2 "Billboard Japan Year End – 2023". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  54. ↑ "Billboard Japan Streaming Songs – 2023". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  55. ↑ "Billboard Japan Download Songs – 2023". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  56. ↑ "Billboard Japan Top User Generated Songs – 2023". Billboard Japan (in Japanese). Archived from the original on January 10, 2024. Retrieved December 8, 2023.
  57. ↑ Mateo, Alex (December 6, 2023). "2023 Saturn Awards Nominate The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Suzume, Chainsaw Man Anime (Updated)". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on October 7, 2024. Retrieved December 7, 2023.
  58. ↑ Hazra, Adriana (March 2, 2024). "All the Winners of the Crunchyroll Anime Awards 2024". Anime News Network. Archived from the original on March 2, 2024. Retrieved March 2, 2024.
  59. ↑ 「MUSIC AWARDS JAPAN 2025」ノミネート作品 / アーティスト一覧. Otome (in Japanese). April 17, 2025. Archived from the original on April 24, 2025. Retrieved May 4, 2025.
  60. ↑ "AnimaniA Award – Jetzt Abstimmen!". AnimaniA (in German). Archived from the original on March 19, 2025. Retrieved June 10, 2025.
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